Immense

Definition

Extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɛns/
• Respelling: im-MENS (with "im" as in "tin" and "MENS" as in "sense")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɛns/
• Respelling: im-MENS (with "im" as in "tin" and "MENS" as in "sense")

In both dialects, "immense" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "MENS." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "im-MENS."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle French word "immense", from Latin "immensus", meaning "immeasurable". It's a combination of the prefix "im-" (not) and "mensus" (measured).

Derivatives

• Immensely (adverb)
• Immensity (noun)
• Immensurable (adjective)
• Immensurability (noun)
• Immenseful (adjective, less common)

Synonyms

• Vast
• Huge
• Gigantic

Antonyms

• Tiny
• Minute
• Small

Usage

"Immense" is used to describe something that is extraordinarily large or great in size, degree, or extent. It can be applied to both physical dimensions and abstract concepts.

Related Terms

• Enormity
• Extent
• Expansive
• Sizeable
• Colossal

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Immense (Extremely large or great):
  • Example: "The universe is immense and full of wonders."
  • Explanation: This usage highlights the enormity or greatness of an object, concept, or phenomenon.

• Immense (Of great scope or extent):
  • Example: "She showed immense courage in the face of adversity."
  • Explanation: This usage emphasizes the vastness or greatness of an abstract quality, such as courage or strength.

Note: "Immense" often carries a connotation of being beyond ordinary limits or measurements. It's frequently used to describe things that are impressive or overwhelming in their scale or quality.